DESCRIPTION: This 16 hour course is designed for those who want to expand their knowledge of Leave No Trace practices and teaching skills, particularly as related to teaching Leave No Trace Awareness courses. This course will cover the seven Leave No Trace principles and discuss wildland ethics, as well as give the participants the tools and techniques for disseminating low-impact skills to recreationists and the scouting community. Upon successful completion of the course, you will be qualified to teach Leave No Trace Awareness courses as well as assist a master educator on future Leave No Trace Trainer courses. Also as a Scout, you will be qualified to hold the BSA Leave No Trace Trainer leadership position upon completion of this course.

CURRICULUM: A Leave No Trace Trainer course emphasizes skills and techniques essential to Leave No Trace minimum impact outdoor ethics and education. Leave No Trace courses are not focused on teaching basic travel, camping or other outdoor skills, nor do they provide outdoor instructor certification.

The Leave No Trace course does include a minimum of 16 hours of education and at least one night of camping in the field to ensure adequate experiential education, i.e. you must learn and apply Leave No Trace practices to develop and hone your personal experience and judgement.

Core Trainer Course Curriculum

1.Learn and practice the principles and ethics of Leave No Trace.

2.Discuss the Leave No Trace Trainer concept, Training Guidelines, and Awareness Workshops and how to bring it to Scouting.

3.Review the educational Model and the Role and Function of Educators.

4.Learn and practice Leave No Trace teaching skills and techniques, learning styles, and development of lesson plans.

5.Prepare and give a student-led teaching exercise.

6.Participate in interactive and hands-on field experiences.

7.Review of the mission and need for the Leave No Trace program.

8.Learn the history of the Leave No Trace program.

TEACHING SESSION: The Leave No Trace Trainer course is a key part of the national Leave No Trace education model. Graduates of the Trainer course are expected to teach others, including scouts/scouters, agency personnel and the public, the principles of Leave No Trace through Awareness Workshops of any length and/or assist master educators with Leave No Trace Trainer courses.

In order to better equip Trainers to meet this expectation, each participant will teach at least one class in the field during their Trainer Course. By teaching a class you will experience the steps to hosting a Leave No Trace Awareness course. You will review materials, plan, prepare and provide fun hands-on learning experiences. This is an opportunity to practice Leave No Trace teaching strategies in a supportive, educational environment. Please see the section below for more information regarding this and your topic. ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE SENT ONCE YOUR REGISTRATION IS CONFIRMED.

PERSONAL AND GROUP GEAR: Please refer to and carefully follow the guidance in the file on backpacking gear (link at the bottom). This was developed by Jeff Marion for his troop and Venture Crew and you are welcome to adapt it for your youth group. Follow the "spring/fall" section for clothing. Bring a backpacking tent or hammock if you have or can borrow one. Before heading out on the trail we will decide on tent partners (to minimize the number of tents) and which tents to bring on the trail. If you have them, please also bring a backpacking stove, pots, water carrier, and the means to purify water – though we will have access to such group gear if needed. If you haven’t hiked recently it would be advisable to load up your pack soon and take a practice hike. This will alert you to problem areas w/boots or equipment.

FOOD: Will be provided. If you have any food-related issues please contact the course director immediately to work something out.

UNIFORMS: Please bring your uniform for a group photo and graduation ceremony. Participants are not expected to bring or wear the Scout uniform during the backpacking experience.

SAFETY / MEDICAL FORM: As participant safety is a high priority for all courses, procedures and policies have been developed to attempt to limit participant risk. Participants should be aware that there are risks associated with outdoor adventure activities, including but not limited to cooking and camp chores, adverse weather and environmental conditions, remote locations of our trips, and transportation in vehicles and on foot. Participants are expected to work with staff to reduce risks and make the experience successful for all. You must complete and email to the course director Parts A & B of the BSA Medical Form (link at the bottom).

PHYSICAL CONDITIONING: Many participants find backpacking to be physically challenging. We will be taking a mild backpacking trip on Saturday and returning on Sunday. You will also be carrying backpacks that can average 30 to 45 pounds for approximately 2-3 miles each day. Conditioning is important for your safety and the safety of others. It will also add to your enjoyment and your ability to be a contributing member of the course. Please be prepared!

Please read over the contents of this information packet carefully and promptly fill out the Personal Information form, Trainer Course Release form, and BSA Medical Form and email to the course director. Links provided at the end of this letter to all forms. You are not fully registered unless we receive all forms!